Charity car show to motor into Milford on Sunday

From the refined coaches and sedans of the Roaring '20s to the powerful muscle cars of the '50s and '60s, more than 200 vehicles, buffed and well preserved, will be on display Sunday at the Lions Club’s 26th annual charity Car Show.

From the refined coaches and sedans of the Roaring '20s to the powerful muscle cars of the '50s and '60s, more than 200 vehicles, buffed and well preserved, will be on display Sunday at the Lions Club’s 26th annual charity Car Show.

Nostalgia and ingenuity meet for a day at Plains Park, 60 Cedar St., as owners will ride out in their beloved classic cars, normally kept cloaked in their garages, to raise money for a host of charities.

"What I’m always amazed about is how many people have these cars in their garages," said event organizer Marc Mann. "I’ve been a car guy all my life, but I’m just fascinated."

The event, running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcases a plethora of styles and generations. "We’ll have cars from the '20s right up to the modern classics," Mann said.

It is the Lions Club’s largest fundraiser, collecting about $30,000 last year for local charities.

At some point during the day, judges will award trophies to the top 50 cars. Mann said the winners always impress him. Last year, a Z28 Chevy Camaro took home a trophy. Two years ago, among the finest on display was a Dodge Barracuda.

And the Corvettes never fail to turn heads.

"There are some Corvettes there that look like they should be placed in a museum," he said.

For many owners, a car show is a chance to drive their normally cloistered gems. Outside, the cars can be examined and discussed, Mann said, like paintings.

"You love to see people drive classics," he said. "I have more compassion for classic cars that are driven on a regular-day basis. Especially with today’s gas prices; it’s not cheap to keep these things on the road."

Cost for vehicle registration is $10. Entry to the event is $3. A rain date is scheduled for Sept. 22.